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booksafety's Reviews (586)
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
It had been a long time since anyone had looked at Daniel like they wished good things for him.
You ever think to yourself 'I would really like to read a book that is so dark and heavy, with a sense of hopelessness and tragedy that will just make me cry throughout the entire thing’? If so, you have come to the right place. This book is the equivalent of being kicked in your emotional ballsack, repeatedly, until the very end.
“I am not—you hear me? I am not gonna leave.” Daniel didn’t answer.
“Tell me you hear that.” Daniel was silent for a long moment.
“You might, though.”
“I won’t.”
“If you have to, it doesn’t make you bad. I'd leave me if I could. Walk right out of this body. Shit.” Daniel almost smiled.
“I’ve tried. So many times. But I’m always here.”
It’s a hard-fought HFN, but more hopeful than you might expect while reading. There’s plenty of unhealthy coping mechanisms here, most of all any and all forms of self harm, both as punishment and so that Daniel can exhaust himself enough to not sleepwalk. They partake in BDSM (Dom/sub) with no real knowledge about it, no discussion of limits, and no safewords. It’s not supposed to be hot or ‘correct’. These guys are young and don’t know what the hell they’re doing, just trying to make it through, and trying to be what the other needs. It’s highly uncomfortable to read it at times, but man is it effective. It’s an incredibly well written story and although I realize a lot of people probably wouldn’t ever want to read it, I wish they did. It’s an incredible story, with or without the romance, and like nothing I’ve read before.
He needed someone like Bel, someone who could see how much sleep hurt him, who could hear him screaming, see the bruises on his wrist—and would lock him up anyway.
It’s a reread for me, but it was still heavy, angsty, and honestly just a little depressing. I definitely would not recommend reading this if you’re in a dark place and feeling vulnerable. The list of content warnings is extensive and needed.
The littlest thing would make me cry while reading. It all just hurts. Imagine promising someone you love that you’ll never leave them, but also wondering how you’ll manage to stay? Yeah, that’s a bit of the vibe here. You’ll hurt for both Daniel and Bel.
Daniel was glad Bel couldn’t see his expression. He had a feeling Bel would consider it attitude.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Social outcast
Severe sleepwalking disorder
Mental health rep
Police officer MC
Former inmate
Past trauma
Dom/sub dynamic
Power exchange
Kink exploration
Semi-closeted MC
Angst central
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
•Arson/manslaughter (past, MC the arsonist)
•Homophobia
•Homophobic slurs (used by MCs and SCs)
•MC victim of a hate crime (severe beating, past, detailed)
•Graphic details of past injuries
•Gun violence (not fired - several threats)
•Mention of MC drinking urine while sleepwalking
•Non-sexual masochism (past and present)
•Mentions of past beatings
•Restraints (to keep from sleepwalking)
•MC injures his anus and tricks MC2 into penetrative sex so that it will hurt (MC2 stops as soon as he realizes)
•Past incarceration
•Sleep deprivation
•Past beating with belt as punishment (parent)
•Self harm (many forms, on page)
•House fire (on page, MC inside)
•Numerous references to drug use but neither MC uses (side characters, accusations of MC using)
•Brief mention of unimportant side character convicted of raping a child (past, off page, no details)
•Social ostracizing and bullying of MC
•References to psychiatric ward stay
•Brief mentions of being drugged while incarcerated
•Parent with gambling addiction (not many details)
•Vague mention of possible past sexual assault (MC, no details)
•MC physically and bodily restraining other MC
•Mutilated animal (off page, pig’s head)
•Suicidal ideation/thoughts
•Instance of non-consent between MCs (sleepwalking MC giving oral to sleeping MC - neither want it)
•MC beaten and harassed by three men (on page)
•MC almost drowns (saved in time)
•Restraints during sex
•Sketchy BDSM practice (no discussing limits or safewords)
•Death of minor side character’s dog (hit by car, off page, some details)
•Impact play (erotic)
•Impact play (punishment)
•Side character intoxicated by drugs (on page)
•Vomiting
•Explicit sexual content
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: Daniel kisses someone on page before anything happens with Bel (and is sleepwalking). Daniel plans to hook up with a ‘master’ who can use him and chain him up at night - he touches the ‘master’ a little but they don’t go any further. Happens before anything is started between Daniel and Bel. Daniel leaves sketchy situation where possible gangbang could’ve happened, orchestrated by this ‘master’. He texts this ‘master’ later too before he’s together with Bel, but nothing sexual ever happens between them.
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 23 and 27
Series: Standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 360
His parents mostly stopped yelling at Daniel for things he did in his sleep, but sometimes his mother cried, which was worse than yelling.
“You know you sound crazy, right?” Bel asked. “How do you know you’re not just crazy?” “I don’t fucking know!” There was that deep, jagged pain in Whitlock’s eyes again, a sort of brutal disappointment, like something he’d hoped for had fallen through. He closed his right hand around his left wrist. “If I ain’t crazy naturally, I feel crazy from not sleeping. So maybe I am crazy. Maybe I fucking am!”
Whitlock shook his head more vehemently. “Even a meth head’s got more sense than I do when it comes to knowing when to quit. If I’m asleep and you try to wake me up, I might fight and not stop.”
She walked toward her car. Didn’t say good-bye. “I love you, Daniel,” she’d said twenty-two years ago, when they’d left the house for his first day of kindergarten. […] What if he said it now? “I love you, Mom.” What if she just kept walking? Can’t love someone who treats you like that. Can’t love someone who don’t love you. He wished he believed that.
Then Bel stepped through the flames. “Hey, Bel,” Daniel smiled. “Hey. You awake?” “Yeah.” Daniel watched the flames wash over the walls. Bel kissed him on the forehead. “No, you ain’t.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
It had been a long time since anyone had looked at Daniel like they wished good things for him.
You ever think to yourself 'I would really like to read a book that is so dark and heavy, with a sense of hopelessness and tragedy that will just make me cry throughout the entire thing’? If so, you have come to the right place. This book is the equivalent of being kicked in your emotional ballsack, repeatedly, until the very end.
“I am not—you hear me? I am not gonna leave.” Daniel didn’t answer.
“Tell me you hear that.” Daniel was silent for a long moment.
“You might, though.”
“I won’t.”
“If you have to, it doesn’t make you bad. I'd leave me if I could. Walk right out of this body. Shit.” Daniel almost smiled.
“I’ve tried. So many times. But I’m always here.”
It’s a hard-fought HFN, but more hopeful than you might expect while reading. There’s plenty of unhealthy coping mechanisms here, most of all any and all forms of self harm, both as punishment and so that Daniel can exhaust himself enough to not sleepwalk. They partake in BDSM (Dom/sub) with no real knowledge about it, no discussion of limits, and no safewords. It’s not supposed to be hot or ‘correct’. These guys are young and don’t know what the hell they’re doing, just trying to make it through, and trying to be what the other needs. It’s highly uncomfortable to read it at times, but man is it effective. It’s an incredibly well written story and although I realize a lot of people probably wouldn’t ever want to read it, I wish they did. It’s an incredible story, with or without the romance, and like nothing I’ve read before.
He needed someone like Bel, someone who could see how much sleep hurt him, who could hear him screaming, see the bruises on his wrist—and would lock him up anyway.
It’s a reread for me, but it was still heavy, angsty, and honestly just a little depressing. I definitely would not recommend reading this if you’re in a dark place and feeling vulnerable. The list of content warnings is extensive and needed.
The littlest thing would make me cry while reading. It all just hurts. Imagine promising someone you love that you’ll never leave them, but also wondering how you’ll manage to stay? Yeah, that’s a bit of the vibe here. You’ll hurt for both Daniel and Bel.
Daniel was glad Bel couldn’t see his expression. He had a feeling Bel would consider it attitude.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Social outcast
Severe sleepwalking disorder
Mental health rep
Police officer MC
Former inmate
Past trauma
Dom/sub dynamic
Power exchange
Kink exploration
Semi-closeted MC
Angst central
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
•Arson/manslaughter (past, MC the arsonist)
•Homophobia
•Homophobic slurs (used by MCs and SCs)
•MC victim of a hate crime (severe beating, past, detailed)
•Graphic details of past injuries
•Gun violence (not fired - several threats)
•Mention of MC drinking urine while sleepwalking
•Non-sexual masochism (past and present)
•Mentions of past beatings
•Restraints (to keep from sleepwalking)
•MC injures his anus and tricks MC2 into penetrative sex so that it will hurt (MC2 stops as soon as he realizes)
•Past incarceration
•Sleep deprivation
•Past beating with belt as punishment (parent)
•Self harm (many forms, on page)
•House fire (on page, MC inside)
•Numerous references to drug use but neither MC uses (side characters, accusations of MC using)
•Brief mention of unimportant side character convicted of raping a child (past, off page, no details)
•Social ostracizing and bullying of MC
•References to psychiatric ward stay
•Brief mentions of being drugged while incarcerated
•Parent with gambling addiction (not many details)
•Vague mention of possible past sexual assault (MC, no details)
•MC physically and bodily restraining other MC
•Mutilated animal (off page, pig’s head)
•Suicidal ideation/thoughts
•Instance of non-consent between MCs (sleepwalking MC giving oral to sleeping MC - neither want it)
•MC beaten and harassed by three men (on page)
•MC almost drowns (saved in time)
•Restraints during sex
•Sketchy BDSM practice (no discussing limits or safewords)
•Death of minor side character’s dog (hit by car, off page, some details)
•Impact play (erotic)
•Impact play (punishment)
•Side character intoxicated by drugs (on page)
•Vomiting
•Explicit sexual content
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: Daniel kisses someone on page before anything happens with Bel (and is sleepwalking). Daniel plans to hook up with a ‘master’ who can use him and chain him up at night - he touches the ‘master’ a little but they don’t go any further. Happens before anything is started between Daniel and Bel. Daniel leaves sketchy situation where possible gangbang could’ve happened, orchestrated by this ‘master’. He texts this ‘master’ later too before he’s together with Bel, but nothing sexual ever happens between them.
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 23 and 27
Series: Standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 360
His parents mostly stopped yelling at Daniel for things he did in his sleep, but sometimes his mother cried, which was worse than yelling.
“You know you sound crazy, right?” Bel asked. “How do you know you’re not just crazy?” “I don’t fucking know!” There was that deep, jagged pain in Whitlock’s eyes again, a sort of brutal disappointment, like something he’d hoped for had fallen through. He closed his right hand around his left wrist. “If I ain’t crazy naturally, I feel crazy from not sleeping. So maybe I am crazy. Maybe I fucking am!”
Whitlock shook his head more vehemently. “Even a meth head’s got more sense than I do when it comes to knowing when to quit. If I’m asleep and you try to wake me up, I might fight and not stop.”
She walked toward her car. Didn’t say good-bye. “I love you, Daniel,” she’d said twenty-two years ago, when they’d left the house for his first day of kindergarten. […] What if he said it now? “I love you, Mom.” What if she just kept walking? Can’t love someone who treats you like that. Can’t love someone who don’t love you. He wished he believed that.
Then Bel stepped through the flames. “Hey, Bel,” Daniel smiled. “Hey. You awake?” “Yeah.” Daniel watched the flames wash over the walls. Bel kissed him on the forehead. “No, you ain’t.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
“Wanting to lick him is hardly the same as liking him,” I muttered.
This book is so sweet and with lots of external fuckery. There’s a delicious size difference, an adorable rambling virgin with a toy collection a porn star would be proud of and some really nice found family vibes. I’ve read/listened three times by now and it just hits the spot for me. Not complicated, low relationship angst and some mystery to keep it interesting.
Was it really possible to fall for someone this quickly? To catch an accidental glimpse into someone’s heart and suddenly recognize it as the home you didn’t know you were searching for?
Smaller man who dresses up like a bee to plant wildflowers and read to kids at the library paired off with badass biker? It just works.
“Little Truman Sweet. You have anal sex one time and suddenly you’re a tiger.” Sam looked at me like inspecting a new species. “The Truman Tiger.”
“Rawr,” I deadpanned. “Now hush and let me pretend like I don’t have things dripping from… places.”
The only thing I disliked was the lack of a proper epilogue. The epilogue is from the POV of the next book’s MC and we don’t even see the MCs from this one properly. That doesn’t count as an epilogue imo, lol. I’m sure Sam and Truman show up in the rest of the series, buuut I don’t do silly things like read an entire series
“Wanting to lick him is hardly the same as liking him,” I muttered.
This book is so sweet and with lots of external fuckery. There’s a delicious size difference, an adorable rambling virgin with a toy collection a porn star would be proud of and some really nice found family vibes. I’ve read/listened three times by now and it just hits the spot for me. Not complicated, low relationship angst and some mystery to keep it interesting.
Was it really possible to fall for someone this quickly? To catch an accidental glimpse into someone’s heart and suddenly recognize it as the home you didn’t know you were searching for?
Smaller man who dresses up like a bee to plant wildflowers and read to kids at the library paired off with badass biker? It just works.
“Little Truman Sweet. You have anal sex one time and suddenly you’re a tiger.” Sam looked at me like inspecting a new species. “The Truman Tiger.”
“Rawr,” I deadpanned. “Now hush and let me pretend like I don’t have things dripping from… places.”
The only thing I disliked was the lack of a proper epilogue. The epilogue is from the POV of the next book’s MC and we don’t even see the MCs from this one properly. That doesn’t count as an epilogue imo, lol. I’m sure Sam and Truman show up in the rest of the series, buuut I don’t do silly things like read an entire series
Book safety! Spoilers ahead.
Cheating: No
OM drama: No
Third act breakup: No
POV: Dual
TW/CW: mentions of past abuse by ex boyfriend, PTSD, panic attacks, anxiety, age play, kink, D/s, daddy/little, estranged parents, explicit sexual content
Spoiler
Cheating: No
OM drama: No
Third act breakup: No
POV: Dual
TW/CW: mentions of past abuse by ex boyfriend, PTSD, panic attacks, anxiety, age play, kink, D/s, daddy/little, estranged parents, explicit sexual content
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
How had I ever thought him cold? He was like fire, and I wanted to burn.
Second time reading it, and it just confirmed that I really do love this book. It’s different from pretty much every BDSM related book I’ve read, especially as I haven’t read one with a service submissive before or after. They’ve got nearly a 24/7 dynamic, where Mr. Chamberlain doesn’t want that kind of service necessarily, but he wants to do whatever will make Quinten happy, and service and helpfulness is his love language. It’s a little heartbreaking, a little heartwarming, and very romantic, which I feel is rare.
“If you need something you’re not getting, you come to me. If you’re unhappy, you come to me. If someone is giving you problems, you come to me,” I said, thinking of some of the people around the office. “I know you need to serve me, little rabbit, but I need to make sure you’re happy while doing it.”
Mr. Chamberlain might be new to being a dom, but he sure fits the role well.
This book also touches on the topic of how trauma can relate to someone’s kinks and needs, and I love that acknowledgement without condemning it in any way. I also REALLY love that the MCs don’t orgasm at the same time, all the time, lol. Sometimes it’s just the little things that can make me love a book even more. Very highly recommend.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
BDSM
Service submissive
Power exchange
Interracial relationship
BIPOC character
Bondage
Boss/employee
Boss’ secretary
Pansexual MC
Mild hurt/comfort
Kink exploration
New dom
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Bondage
Emotionally neglectful parents
Child neglect (past)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: Nolan goes on a date with a woman at the start of the book. It’s off page and he doesn’t want to go with her. Nothing happens with them. A different woman working in their office tries to create problems.
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Genre: Contemporary romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 33 and not specified
Pages: 163
“I like to feel useful, needed. I can’t be ignored if I’m needed.” I heard the words he hadn’t dared to say. You can’t ignore me if you need me.
“Most of the time, the actual act of service isn’t what makes me happy. It’s this,” he said, gesturing to my face. “It’s seeing someone else enjoy what I’ve provided. It’s seeing how I’ve made your day better.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
How had I ever thought him cold? He was like fire, and I wanted to burn.
Second time reading it, and it just confirmed that I really do love this book. It’s different from pretty much every BDSM related book I’ve read, especially as I haven’t read one with a service submissive before or after. They’ve got nearly a 24/7 dynamic, where Mr. Chamberlain doesn’t want that kind of service necessarily, but he wants to do whatever will make Quinten happy, and service and helpfulness is his love language. It’s a little heartbreaking, a little heartwarming, and very romantic, which I feel is rare.
“If you need something you’re not getting, you come to me. If you’re unhappy, you come to me. If someone is giving you problems, you come to me,” I said, thinking of some of the people around the office. “I know you need to serve me, little rabbit, but I need to make sure you’re happy while doing it.”
Mr. Chamberlain might be new to being a dom, but he sure fits the role well.
This book also touches on the topic of how trauma can relate to someone’s kinks and needs, and I love that acknowledgement without condemning it in any way. I also REALLY love that the MCs don’t orgasm at the same time, all the time, lol. Sometimes it’s just the little things that can make me love a book even more. Very highly recommend.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
BDSM
Service submissive
Power exchange
Interracial relationship
BIPOC character
Bondage
Boss/employee
Boss’ secretary
Pansexual MC
Mild hurt/comfort
Kink exploration
New dom
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Bondage
Emotionally neglectful parents
Child neglect (past)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: Nolan goes on a date with a woman at the start of the book. It’s off page and he doesn’t want to go with her. Nothing happens with them. A different woman working in their office tries to create problems.
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Genre: Contemporary romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 33 and not specified
Pages: 163
“I like to feel useful, needed. I can’t be ignored if I’m needed.” I heard the words he hadn’t dared to say. You can’t ignore me if you need me.
“Most of the time, the actual act of service isn’t what makes me happy. It’s this,” he said, gesturing to my face. “It’s seeing someone else enjoy what I’ve provided. It’s seeing how I’ve made your day better.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
What was the point of being the villain if he didn’t get what he wanted in the end?
I think the thing I love the most about this book is how Luc, the badass half-feral vampire, strolls into town and expects to be the top dog. He assumes everyone will fear and dislike him. Then there’s bubbly Jamie who literally couldn’t care less. He doesn’t take anyone’s shit and isn’t scared of his vampire at all. It goes something like this ⬇️
Luc: *being all growly and dramatic and shit* ‘fear me, mortals!’ (probably)
Jamie: ‘aww, is my little monster angry? So cute’
Tall, built, intense. Smelling like absolute sin. With that lovely little smattering of salt and pepper at the temples of his abundant dark hair. Hello, Monster Daddy.
Jamie is as far from a doormat a human can be as a character in a vampire romance probably, and I love it. He knows what he wants and goes after it, and he doesn’t let anyone treat him badly.
Jamie was definitely human. Just with… added bonus abilities. Ones that sometimes creeped people out, or lost him friends or the occasional job or father or whatever.
Lucien isn’t ‘good’, and that’s okay. He has some morals, sure, but barely, lol. He has some guilt to deal with as well as some pretty intense abandonment issues. Oh, and let’s not forget the anger issues. I love this book just like I love the rest of the series. It’s not my favorite out all of them, but still really good. I recommend reading book 1 (Roman) first to get Luc’s backstory.
Footsteps approached the bed. “You’re very angry with me, aren’t you, ma fleur?” Oh, Luc was breaking out the French. Dumb vampire must know he fucked up.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Morally grey MC
Psychic MC
Vampires
Fated mates
Age gap
Obsessive & possessive
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
On-page killing
Fear of abandonment
Graphic violence
Blood consumption
Explicit sexual content
Graphic injury (MC)
Mentions of abandonment
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual POV
Genre: Paranormal romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
MCs age: 23 and 200+
“You’ll find I’m beyond ordinary possession, my flower. Don’t think to toy with me. I’ll crush any obstacles you put in my way, human or otherwise.” His warning didn’t have the effect he’d hoped, Jamie’s dark eyes glazing over with lust at his words. Ah well, he’d tried.
“Over time, we lose ourselves more and more to the vampire instincts inside us. To our monsters. We become more beast than man, driven by bloodlust and little else.” How incredibly metal of them.
Throwing in a little Jay quote, because Johann is the best character ♥️
“That’s what I said,” Jay chimed in, reaching a hand out to a small barrel cactus he’d found in the corner of Jamie’s yard. “Jay, honey,” Danny called out. “Don’t touch the cactus.” “Don’t worry, I know it’s sharp.” The little vampire reached out a finger anyway, touching one of the spines of the desert plant. “Ouch,” he said happily, holding up his finger to display the small drop of blood welling there. “See? Sharp.” “That’s great, sweetie.”
What was the point of being the villain if he didn’t get what he wanted in the end?
I think the thing I love the most about this book is how Luc, the badass half-feral vampire, strolls into town and expects to be the top dog. He assumes everyone will fear and dislike him. Then there’s bubbly Jamie who literally couldn’t care less. He doesn’t take anyone’s shit and isn’t scared of his vampire at all. It goes something like this ⬇️
Luc: *being all growly and dramatic and shit* ‘fear me, mortals!’ (probably)
Jamie: ‘aww, is my little monster angry? So cute’
Tall, built, intense. Smelling like absolute sin. With that lovely little smattering of salt and pepper at the temples of his abundant dark hair. Hello, Monster Daddy.
Jamie is as far from a doormat a human can be as a character in a vampire romance probably, and I love it. He knows what he wants and goes after it, and he doesn’t let anyone treat him badly.
Jamie was definitely human. Just with… added bonus abilities. Ones that sometimes creeped people out, or lost him friends or the occasional job or father or whatever.
Lucien isn’t ‘good’, and that’s okay. He has some morals, sure, but barely, lol. He has some guilt to deal with as well as some pretty intense abandonment issues. Oh, and let’s not forget the anger issues. I love this book just like I love the rest of the series. It’s not my favorite out all of them, but still really good. I recommend reading book 1 (Roman) first to get Luc’s backstory.
Footsteps approached the bed. “You’re very angry with me, aren’t you, ma fleur?” Oh, Luc was breaking out the French. Dumb vampire must know he fucked up.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Morally grey MC
Psychic MC
Vampires
Fated mates
Age gap
Obsessive & possessive
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
On-page killing
Fear of abandonment
Graphic violence
Blood consumption
Explicit sexual content
Graphic injury (MC)
Mentions of abandonment
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual POV
Genre: Paranormal romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
MCs age: 23 and 200+
“You’ll find I’m beyond ordinary possession, my flower. Don’t think to toy with me. I’ll crush any obstacles you put in my way, human or otherwise.” His warning didn’t have the effect he’d hoped, Jamie’s dark eyes glazing over with lust at his words. Ah well, he’d tried.
“Over time, we lose ourselves more and more to the vampire instincts inside us. To our monsters. We become more beast than man, driven by bloodlust and little else.” How incredibly metal of them.
Throwing in a little Jay quote, because Johann is the best character ♥️
“That’s what I said,” Jay chimed in, reaching a hand out to a small barrel cactus he’d found in the corner of Jamie’s yard. “Jay, honey,” Danny called out. “Don’t touch the cactus.” “Don’t worry, I know it’s sharp.” The little vampire reached out a finger anyway, touching one of the spines of the desert plant. “Ouch,” he said happily, holding up his finger to display the small drop of blood welling there. “See? Sharp.” “That’s great, sweetie.”
Book safety, content warnings and tropes down below.
“Fuck,” Gabe swore. “I never cry.” Soren huffed. “That’s not anything to be proud of.”
I finally got around to listening to the audiobook for Soren, and it was just as good as I remembered, and honestly made even better because of the lovely Michael Ferrawhatsit narrating it. His voice is literally perfect for cocky, murdery vampire twinks who chrochets as a hobby.
Soren wasn’t really my favorite when I read the books the first time (actually probably my least favorite), but that matters extremely little in this case. It has become one of my favorite series, especially when it comes to paranormal romance. Every book is entertaining, funny, cute and hot. They’re low on relationship angst, and pretty much makes the perfect comfort reads for me.
“Come here.” He motioned with his arms to Soren, who arched a brow at him. “Why?” Soren asked. “I want to hold you.” Gabe made “gimme” hands at the reluctant vampire.
Gabe is one of those characters that you end up liking more and more as the book unfolds and you get to know him better. During the first book you get the impression that he’s selfish, uncaring and cold, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. He’s mostly just deeply unhappy, drowning in guilt and struggling with anxiety.
“And I don’t mind who you flirt with, brat, as long as I get to be the one who takes you home at the end of the night.”
These books are utterly charming, and I highly recommend them. Soren is no exception.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Age gap
Doctor MC
Vampire
Crocheting
Fated mates
Bossy bottom
Size difference
Twink
Past trauma
‘Cuddle slut’
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Blood consumption
Broken bones
Violence
Explicit sexual content
Parent with Alzheimer’s
Panic attacks
Anxiety
Mentions of past abuse
Gun violence
On-page killing
Burning of a body
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual POV
Genre: Paranormal romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
MC age: 300+ and *not specified
*as far as I could tell
Because instead of doing better, Gabe had been getting worse. His world had stopped making sense a year ago. His anxiety kept building; his emotions kept spiraling. He felt like he was… pretending all the time. Pretending to have it together. Pretending to be happy. And he was terrified of anyone seeing through it. And now here he was, failing his family. Again.
He was an idiot, of course. Classic American male with too many emotions and no idea what to do with any of them. Like the way he’d been pushing his family away for years when it was clear to anyone with half a brain they meant the world to him. Idiot, for sure.
“Fuck,” Gabe swore. “I never cry.” Soren huffed. “That’s not anything to be proud of.”
I finally got around to listening to the audiobook for Soren, and it was just as good as I remembered, and honestly made even better because of the lovely Michael Ferrawhatsit narrating it. His voice is literally perfect for cocky, murdery vampire twinks who chrochets as a hobby.
Soren wasn’t really my favorite when I read the books the first time (actually probably my least favorite), but that matters extremely little in this case. It has become one of my favorite series, especially when it comes to paranormal romance. Every book is entertaining, funny, cute and hot. They’re low on relationship angst, and pretty much makes the perfect comfort reads for me.
“Come here.” He motioned with his arms to Soren, who arched a brow at him. “Why?” Soren asked. “I want to hold you.” Gabe made “gimme” hands at the reluctant vampire.
Gabe is one of those characters that you end up liking more and more as the book unfolds and you get to know him better. During the first book you get the impression that he’s selfish, uncaring and cold, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. He’s mostly just deeply unhappy, drowning in guilt and struggling with anxiety.
“And I don’t mind who you flirt with, brat, as long as I get to be the one who takes you home at the end of the night.”
These books are utterly charming, and I highly recommend them. Soren is no exception.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Age gap
Doctor MC
Vampire
Crocheting
Fated mates
Bossy bottom
Size difference
Twink
Past trauma
‘Cuddle slut’
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Blood consumption
Broken bones
Violence
Explicit sexual content
Parent with Alzheimer’s
Panic attacks
Anxiety
Mentions of past abuse
Gun violence
On-page killing
Burning of a body
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual POV
Genre: Paranormal romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
MC age: 300+ and *not specified
*as far as I could tell
Because instead of doing better, Gabe had been getting worse. His world had stopped making sense a year ago. His anxiety kept building; his emotions kept spiraling. He felt like he was… pretending all the time. Pretending to have it together. Pretending to be happy. And he was terrified of anyone seeing through it. And now here he was, failing his family. Again.
He was an idiot, of course. Classic American male with too many emotions and no idea what to do with any of them. Like the way he’d been pushing his family away for years when it was clear to anyone with half a brain they meant the world to him. Idiot, for sure.
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes & tags down below.
“I’ve wanted you from the beginning, my sweet human,” he rasped, his distorted voice so very inhuman and so achingly familiar to me now. “And I will want you until the end.”
I’m going through this series and updating my reviews, as the only one I reviewed properly was Lor when I first read the books. I remember when I first read this book, I thought it was a little slow. Not necessarily a slow burn romance, but there’s just not a lot going on plot wise. However, after I was finished, I didn’t feel like that at all. It was sort of perfect for the story. Lily Mayne is also a brilliant writer, and the way she has built this world and describes it pretty much plays out like a movie in my head. It’s so vivid. I remember the following quote actually made me gag, lol. Enjoy.
When we stepped inside, the air smelled wrong. Too sweet, like decaying fruit. It was thick and hazy. The humidity was already making me sweat under my helmet, and I was grateful for the mask covering my mouth because it was like… like breathing in someone else’s hot, fetid breath. It made me want to gag.
This book also popped my monster romance cherry, and I’m glad Lily did the honors. It’s freaking fantastic, and both Wyn and Danny are some of my all time favorite MCs. I love how much we get to see of them in the rest of the series as well. Wyn is a massive grump, and Danny somehow manages to compete with said grumpiness just by being sunshine personified.
“I don’t know what humans need. You need so many things to stay alive, it’s pathetic.”
Again, this book might feel like it moves slowly, but I think it was needed and worked so well in slowly but very thoroughly building this dystopian/fantasy world, which really set the stage for the rest of the series. Not one you’d want to miss out on.
Also, why are c*ckpockets so freaking hot?
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Monster/human
Military
Cock-pocket
Dystopian
Grumpy/sunshine
A touch of hurt/comfort
Post-apocalyptic wasteland
Golden retriever MC
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Grief
PTSD
Torture
Captivity
Severely injured MCs
Gun violence
On-page killing
Graphic violence
Queerphobia (brief)
Non-human genitalia
Explicit sexual content
Mentions of parent death
*Most of this list can be found on the author’s website:
lily-mayne.com
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 1st person, single POV
Genre: Fantasy/monster romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
“You were the first human to treat me with something other than contempt or disgust.” My breath caught in my chest, and I went still as Wyn spoke. “I decided to give you a chance at survival.” Something warm unfurled in the pit of my stomach, and I glanced over at Wyn, not sure what to say. Before I could say anything, though, he spoke again. “If I’d known you were this annoying and talkative, I may have decided differently.”
“I’ve wanted you from the beginning, my sweet human,” he rasped, his distorted voice so very inhuman and so achingly familiar to me now. “And I will want you until the end.”
I’m going through this series and updating my reviews, as the only one I reviewed properly was Lor when I first read the books. I remember when I first read this book, I thought it was a little slow. Not necessarily a slow burn romance, but there’s just not a lot going on plot wise. However, after I was finished, I didn’t feel like that at all. It was sort of perfect for the story. Lily Mayne is also a brilliant writer, and the way she has built this world and describes it pretty much plays out like a movie in my head. It’s so vivid. I remember the following quote actually made me gag, lol. Enjoy.
When we stepped inside, the air smelled wrong. Too sweet, like decaying fruit. It was thick and hazy. The humidity was already making me sweat under my helmet, and I was grateful for the mask covering my mouth because it was like… like breathing in someone else’s hot, fetid breath. It made me want to gag.
This book also popped my monster romance cherry, and I’m glad Lily did the honors. It’s freaking fantastic, and both Wyn and Danny are some of my all time favorite MCs. I love how much we get to see of them in the rest of the series as well. Wyn is a massive grump, and Danny somehow manages to compete with said grumpiness just by being sunshine personified.
“I don’t know what humans need. You need so many things to stay alive, it’s pathetic.”
Again, this book might feel like it moves slowly, but I think it was needed and worked so well in slowly but very thoroughly building this dystopian/fantasy world, which really set the stage for the rest of the series. Not one you’d want to miss out on.
Also, why are c*ckpockets so freaking hot?
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Monster/human
Military
Cock-pocket
Dystopian
Grumpy/sunshine
A touch of hurt/comfort
Post-apocalyptic wasteland
Golden retriever MC
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Grief
PTSD
Torture
Captivity
Severely injured MCs
Gun violence
On-page killing
Graphic violence
Queerphobia (brief)
Non-human genitalia
Explicit sexual content
Mentions of parent death
*Most of this list can be found on the author’s website:
lily-mayne.com
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 1st person, single POV
Genre: Fantasy/monster romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
“You were the first human to treat me with something other than contempt or disgust.” My breath caught in my chest, and I went still as Wyn spoke. “I decided to give you a chance at survival.” Something warm unfurled in the pit of my stomach, and I glanced over at Wyn, not sure what to say. Before I could say anything, though, he spoke again. “If I’d known you were this annoying and talkative, I may have decided differently.”
Book safety! Spoilers ahead.
Cheating: No
OM drama: No
Third act breakup: No
POV: Dual
TW/CW: vampires, blood, death, injury, explicit sex, parent with early onset dementia
Spoiler
Cheating: No
OM drama: No
Third act breakup: No
POV: Dual
TW/CW: vampires, blood, death, injury, explicit sex, parent with early onset dementia
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
“We’re equals in this, Charlie. It’s a give and take. And just because you’re dominant doesn’t mean you can’t be vulnerable and need help sometimes. Just like my being submissive doesn’t mean I’m weak and helpless.”
This is a reread for me, and I’m so glad I read it again. It really is so freaking cute and sweet. There’s a touch of fluff for sure and an instant connection between the MCs, but it won’t rot your teeth out. The almost instalove definitely works for me in this book.
Asher being able to regress *with* someone for the first time is heartwarming, and I enjoy watching him slowly realize that he isn’t ‘abnormal’ or a ‘pervert’ (his dad’s words), but that his wants and needs are okay and normal. His new friends and found family definitely help with this aspect, as they’re all a part of the lifestyle. ‘Uncle Ted’ warms my heart, and probably will yours too if you read it. He’s a good friend and takes on a caregiver role when Asher’s Daddy isn’t around. There’s nothing sexual about it, but they’ll play together and Ted will read him stories at night, etc. It’s freaking adorable.
I will say there’s a definite element of telling instead of showing throughout this, but I still enjoyed it. It is also the author’s debut I believe.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
age play
age gap
daddy kink
police officer MC
kicked out of home
forced proximity
hands free O
found family
BDSM
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
gun violence
gunshot wound
injured MC
hospitalized MC
panic attacks
ABDL (with wetting)
explicit sexual content
homophobia
MC cheated on by (ex) boyfriend
References to domestic abuse (not between MCs)
Past physical abuse (parent, not prolongued)
Sex in ‘little space’
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Genre: Contemporary romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
MCs age: 22 and 31
Pages: 190
“Thanks, Josh. I’ve got him from here.” Wait. Hold up. I’m being left here with this new guy all alone? Nope. This is how serial killer movies start. The thought is such a valid one, in fact, that I stamp my foot and repeat it aloud.
“I’ve been reading a lot about BDSM since Theodore explained the situation.” Flashbacks to her lectures on gay sex have me already struggling to get back to my feet so I can escape.
“We’re equals in this, Charlie. It’s a give and take. And just because you’re dominant doesn’t mean you can’t be vulnerable and need help sometimes. Just like my being submissive doesn’t mean I’m weak and helpless.”
This is a reread for me, and I’m so glad I read it again. It really is so freaking cute and sweet. There’s a touch of fluff for sure and an instant connection between the MCs, but it won’t rot your teeth out. The almost instalove definitely works for me in this book.
Asher being able to regress *with* someone for the first time is heartwarming, and I enjoy watching him slowly realize that he isn’t ‘abnormal’ or a ‘pervert’ (his dad’s words), but that his wants and needs are okay and normal. His new friends and found family definitely help with this aspect, as they’re all a part of the lifestyle. ‘Uncle Ted’ warms my heart, and probably will yours too if you read it. He’s a good friend and takes on a caregiver role when Asher’s Daddy isn’t around. There’s nothing sexual about it, but they’ll play together and Ted will read him stories at night, etc. It’s freaking adorable.
I will say there’s a definite element of telling instead of showing throughout this, but I still enjoyed it. It is also the author’s debut I believe.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
age play
age gap
daddy kink
police officer MC
kicked out of home
forced proximity
hands free O
found family
BDSM
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
gun violence
gunshot wound
injured MC
hospitalized MC
panic attacks
ABDL (with wetting)
explicit sexual content
homophobia
MC cheated on by (ex) boyfriend
References to domestic abuse (not between MCs)
Past physical abuse (parent, not prolongued)
Sex in ‘little space’
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Genre: Contemporary romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
MCs age: 22 and 31
Pages: 190
“Thanks, Josh. I’ve got him from here.” Wait. Hold up. I’m being left here with this new guy all alone? Nope. This is how serial killer movies start. The thought is such a valid one, in fact, that I stamp my foot and repeat it aloud.
“I’ve been reading a lot about BDSM since Theodore explained the situation.” Flashbacks to her lectures on gay sex have me already struggling to get back to my feet so I can escape.
Book safety, tropes and tags down below.
I read this book a second time (in a short amount of time), and I’m pretty confident in saying it’s my favorite Daddy/little book. I adore books with this kink, as they usually contain a bunch of caregiving, cuddles and fluff. Reading these books is like draping yourself in a warm blanket. Or something. I’m no poet. But, my point is, this book is all the best parts of Daddy kink rolled into one book.
«Rhys gave a wide smile and skipped down the stairs. ‘Rhys, take them slow. We don’t need you with any more bruises.’ ‘Yes, Simon,’ Rhys called over his shoulder, not slowing in the slightest.»
I’m completely in love with both main characters. Rhys and Simon will give you all the warm and fuzzies. You shouldn’t let all the happy vibes distract from the serious topics raised in the book, though. Rhys didn’t have an easy life, and trauma is definitely a part of the book, but without overshadowing the lovestory, and without making it too dark.
It also has the cutest nickname origin-story ever (Baby Bear):
«[…] instead I’d pulled out the brown one my brother had bought me as a joke last Christmas. It had fluffy bear ears on the top and eyes on the front. I looked at what I had in my hands and muttered a curse, but before I could shove it back in the cubby hole, Rhys’s slender fingers snagged it from my hands. His eyes glittered with mirth, but also delight. ‘A bear beanie! Please can I wear it?’ His blue eyes were round with excitement and he was practically bouncing on his feet.»
Simon is also a highly relatable character, lol.
«I tried exercising once - worst fifteen minutes of my life […]»
Book safety! Spoilers ahead.
Cheating: No
OM drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 1st person dual
Strict top/bottom or vers: Versatile, but they don’t switch on-page
TW/CW: child endangerment and abuse, religion, christian extremism, physical assault, attempted murder, scars, kink, mild ABDL, spanking as domestic discipline, explicit sexual content, sex in little space
Tropes & tags
Age gap, virgin MC, size difference, hurt/comfort, tattoos, piercings, daddy/little, D/s, sex in little space, anxiety/panic attacks, small town, runaway MC, busking, found family, kink, BDSM, supportive family, forced proximity (ish)
I read this book a second time (in a short amount of time), and I’m pretty confident in saying it’s my favorite Daddy/little book. I adore books with this kink, as they usually contain a bunch of caregiving, cuddles and fluff. Reading these books is like draping yourself in a warm blanket. Or something. I’m no poet. But, my point is, this book is all the best parts of Daddy kink rolled into one book.
«Rhys gave a wide smile and skipped down the stairs. ‘Rhys, take them slow. We don’t need you with any more bruises.’ ‘Yes, Simon,’ Rhys called over his shoulder, not slowing in the slightest.»
I’m completely in love with both main characters. Rhys and Simon will give you all the warm and fuzzies. You shouldn’t let all the happy vibes distract from the serious topics raised in the book, though. Rhys didn’t have an easy life, and trauma is definitely a part of the book, but without overshadowing the lovestory, and without making it too dark.
It also has the cutest nickname origin-story ever (Baby Bear):
«[…] instead I’d pulled out the brown one my brother had bought me as a joke last Christmas. It had fluffy bear ears on the top and eyes on the front. I looked at what I had in my hands and muttered a curse, but before I could shove it back in the cubby hole, Rhys’s slender fingers snagged it from my hands. His eyes glittered with mirth, but also delight. ‘A bear beanie! Please can I wear it?’ His blue eyes were round with excitement and he was practically bouncing on his feet.»
Simon is also a highly relatable character, lol.
«I tried exercising once - worst fifteen minutes of my life […]»
Book safety! Spoilers ahead.
Spoiler
Cheating: No
OM drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 1st person dual
Strict top/bottom or vers: Versatile, but they don’t switch on-page
TW/CW: child endangerment and abuse, religion, christian extremism, physical assault, attempted murder, scars, kink, mild ABDL, spanking as domestic discipline, explicit sexual content, sex in little space
Tropes & tags
Spoiler
Age gap, virgin MC, size difference, hurt/comfort, tattoos, piercings, daddy/little, D/s, sex in little space, anxiety/panic attacks, small town, runaway MC, busking, found family, kink, BDSM, supportive family, forced proximity (ish)